Published September 22, 2012 - 10:48pm
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Here’s a couple quick thoughts on the LSU’s win over Auburn.
What it means: It sure wasn’t pretty, but LSU pulled out the victory in a hostile environment on the road at Auburn. LSU wins its first SEC game of the season in its first game away from Tiger Stadium. A win on the road in the SEC is a big win, no matter how ugly or non-impressive it might be. Auburn starts 0-2 in the SEC and 1-4 overall, and it’s the first time the Tigers have lost three games before October in the history of their program.
What I liked: Auburn’s defense came to play tonight. With their backs against the wall, they fought hard, and they made it very tough on LSU in front of the Jordan-Hare crowd. A couple plays here and there changes the complexion of the game. Take away the fumble on the punt and the safety, and this is a totally different ball game. If you believe in moral victories, I guess you can be okay with this loss.
LSU’s defense also came to play, and they allowed Auburn’s offense only 183 total yards on the night. They are physical and very fast up front, but the back end could be susceptible to big plays moving forward.
What I didn’t like: LSU never really got going on offense. They turned the ball over twice in the first half, and they were sluggish all night. The Tigers did run for 183 yards, but they couldn’t control the line of scrimmage like they wanted. Zach Mettenberger wasn’t all that impressive in his first SEC game and first road game. He’s a strong passer, but he never really settled in the way he would like. I wasn’t too impressed with his play tonight.
Who’s the man: LSU’s special teams won the Tigers the football game. Brad Wing punted eight times for 338 yards. Field position is so crucial in the SEC, and Wing gave LSU the advantage tonight. Drew Alleman hit the go-ahead field goal with 5:26 left in the third quarter, even though he missed the one late in the fourth to make it a five-point advantage. LSU also recovered a fumble on special teams that led to the Alleman field goal in the third. The Tigers’ special teams came up big tonight.
Key Play: The difference in the game ultimately came down the safety LSU forced on Auburn with eight minutes left in the first quarter. Without the safety, this could be a totally different game with a different outcome.
What’s next: LSU moves to 4-0 on the year and 1-0 in the SEC, and they return to Tiger Stadium to take on Towson next week before a date with Florida in The Swamp. Auburn gets a much-needed bye week before hosting Arkansas.
